Addressing Perceptions of Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners in the Healthcare Practitioner Community

Misperceptions are not new about low-and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs) within the healthcare practitioner (HCP) community and among consumers. Some confusion can be attributed to the mixed literature on LNCSs that results from variation in study hypotheses, design, interpretation and communication. Understanding HCP perspectives on LNCSs supports science-based information delivery to patients and clients. The first step in understanding these perspectives is to conduct a review of publicly available information, including published literature, surveys, market research and HCP professional organization policy statements, among other materials. This will inform the design of a more robust HCP survey to fill in gaps, and ultimately the content and delivery of science-based information appropriate to each topic. The objectives of Phase II of this project are to directly engage with HCPs, to: 1) assess HCPs' perspectives on the use of LNCSs for achieving various dietary goals, and 2) evaluate the effectiveness of science-based information on the safety evaluation process of LNCSs for addressing HCPs misperceptions of LNCSs.

Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Principal Investigator: Dr. Alissa Nolden

Start Date: September 15, 2021

Learn More: FDA Regulatory Review Process For Food Additives-Including Low And No Calorie Sweeteners

This work is supported by the IAFNS Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners Committee